Cambodia tours & travel

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Travelling in Cambodia is the ultimate South East Asian experience.

Beneath the Cardamom Mountains or on the banks of the Mekong, Khmer village life goes on pretty much as it always has (give or take the odd iPhone). And when you’re watching a sunrise over Angkor Wat or the ruins of Tha Promh, the modern world feels a long way off. While progress was for years dampened by a tragic history, Cambodia is now a country on the move. With riverside boulevards and art galleries popping up in Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap’s growing reputation for hip cafes and dining, Cambodia tours aren’t all about the temple-gazing (although we have to admit, the gazing is pretty darn good!).

Preah Vihear

Transport in Cambodia

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.

Depending on which trip you're on while in Cambodia, you may find yourself travelling by:

Cyclo

Take the slow road and see Cambodia from the ground level while being pedalled through the streets by a friendly cyclo rider.

Best time to visit Cambodia

Best time to visit Cambodia

Any time of the year is a good time to travel in Cambodia, with each season having its advantages. The climate in Cambodia is generally hot and humid throughout the year. Temperatures stay in the 30s (celcius) most of the year, dropping back to the 20s at night. There are officially two seasons in Cambodia – wet and dry. During November to May you can expect dry conditions, while June to October will have wetter weather.

Culture and customs

Culture and customs

The Khmer culture has lasted for centuries, and is based on tradition, honouring ancestors, respecting elders and living a life of honesty, humility and kindness. Which is probably why Cambodians are known for being some of the most warm, hospitable and humble people in the world. Above all these qualities, Cambodians are known for their remarkable ability to get on with life after enduring the atrocities that ravaged the country in the 1970s.

As with other neighbouring nations like Thailand, the concept of “saving face” is important. Displaying control and keeping a peaceful nature in public is paramount, as is not losing your temper or ridiculing others.

Most Khmer people are Buddhist. Monks are highly regarded and respected in society, and religious festivals and ceremonies are important parts of daily life. When visiting Cambodia, expect to see orange-robed monks and many displays of faith - from people visiting large, elaborate temples to them praying over small, humble shrines.

Despite the infiltration of modern ideas and concepts, Khmer customs and traditions are kept alive with traditional dance, art, festivals and costume enduring alongside modern pop music and dance.

Eating and drinking

Eating and drinking

Like most other Asian countries, rice, noodle soups and stir fries are common in Cambodia. Drawing on Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese cuisines, Cambodian food is strong in flavour but usually not as spicy as food from neighbouring countries.

Things to try in Cambodia

1. Fish Amok

Fish amok is fish that’s been baked in creamy coconut, ginger, lemongrass and turmeric curry sauce and wrapped in banana leaves. This silky national dish will melt in your mouth.

2. Nom Banh Chok

A popular breakfast meal, nom banh chok is a rice noodle soup made with green fish gravy, beansprouts, banana flowers, cucumbers and lots of green veggies.

4. Ongkrong Saek Koo

One of the more palatable insect options you’ll find on a Cambodian menu, this dish is a stir fry of beef, basil, garlic, ginger, lemongrass and lots of ants, topped with chilli and served on a bed of rice.

5. Baguettes

A remnant of Cambodia’s French-colonial past, fresh, crunchy baguettes are sold from street stalls and at markets - and make a great, low-cost breakfast or snack.

6. Tropical Fruit

Jackfruit, mangoes, bananas, pineapple, dragon fruit and watermelon are all plentiful in Cambodian. Get a street vendor to mix up a fresh juice or smoothie for a refreshing treat.

7. Iced coffee

Sweetened with condensed milk, the beloved iced coffee is the drink to try in Cambodia. (When the caffeine gets too much, you can always switch to fresh coconuts to quench your thirst.

Geography and environment

Geography and environment

Bordered by Vietnam, Thailand and Laos, much of Cambodia is covered by forested area, although sadly, this is rapidly changing due to the growth of agriculture, logging and deforestation. Home to the largest lake in South-East Asia, Tonle Sap (Great Lake) connects to the Mekong River and swells to four times its normal size during the monsoon season.

Most of the country is low-lying, except for pockets of mountains. Large cities like Siem Reap and Phnom Penh are typically built-up, busy and filled with modern conveniences like nightclubs, bars, public transport, internet cafes and restaurants. Smaller towns and rural areas enjoy more peace and space, with low-density, simple housing and a reliance on agriculture for income.

History and government

History and government

Early history

Evidence of early life in Cambodia dates back to 1500BC, and further evidence suggests that by the 1st Century, rice cultivation, fishing and animal husbandry were the basis of organised society in Cambodia. Various empires arose in the early stages of Cambodian history, with the Funan and Chenla Kingdoms reigning before the rise of the Khmer civilisation. Regarded as one of the most powerful empires in the world, the Khmer Empire prospered from the 9th to the 13th centuries. This was a time of growth and expansion, and many of the artistic treasures and archaeological monuments that Cambodia is known for come from this era. The world-famous temples of Angkor were built during this period, and hold important clues to how life was lived back then. Temple inscriptions depicting daily life, religious ceremonies and military exploits give us important insights into this fascinating civilisation. There are many theories that speculate on the decline of the Khmer Empire. It’s more than likely that a combination of factors including drought, the arrival of the Plague and the rise of neighbouring Thai superpower Ayutthaya resulted in the loss of momentum for a once-powerful empire. A period of decline followed, with the 15th to the 19th centuries marking a time of Cambodia having a lower profile in international affairs, until coming under French Colonial rule in 1863.

Recent history

The events that have shaped Cambodia’s recent history began with the Communist Party of Kampuchea overpowering the Khmer Republic after more than 100 days of fierce fighting. What followed was a radical change in society, with Pol Pot leading the country now known as Kampuchea. This brutal regime soon set about restructuring society and was responsible for committing awful atrocities against the civilian population. Religion and education were repressed, currency and banking were abolished and people were sent to work in the fields. Business people, educators, scholars and other high-ranking members of society were hunted down and murdered by the Khmer Rouge. It's estimated that hundreds of thousands of people (possibly millions) were murdered between 1975 and 1979. In addition to this, many more died of starvation and disease due to lack of medical care and nourishment.

This nationalistic, murderous regime was finally overcome by the Vietnamese Army in 1979, signalling the beginning of the peace process and the establishment of the People’s Republic of Kampuchea. In 1993, millions of Cambodians voted to elect a new government, which then ratified a new constitution, and in 2004 a tribunal was established to serve justice to the people who committed atrocities during the Khmer Rouge era.

Today, Cambodia is rebuilding and moving on from it’s tragic past. Many NGOs have set up programs that empower and support Cambodians with education, health care, training and counselling. While wide-scale poverty and other social problems remain, Cambodia continues to gain strength from its burgeoning tourism industry, and has recently been successful in increasing access to education and health care as well as improving overall living standards.

Top 7 must-visit places in Cambodia

Top 7 must-visit places in Cambodia

1. Phnom Penh

Cambodia’s capital may be chaotic but there are moments of peace to be found. Relax in a riverfront bar, find serenity in a local temple or soak up the grand atmosphere of the Royal Palace.

2. Battambang

Beautiful Battambang is home to wonderful examples of French-Colonial architecture, ornate temples, peaceful pagodas and scenic villages. Choose to day trip here or stay longer to be immersed in this place of authenticity.

3. Siem Reap

4. Kompong Cham

Full of old-world charm and quiet beauty, Kompong Cham is a great place to switch gears and go slow. Wander the streets to admire decaying colonial buildings, visit a Wat for a quiet moment of reflection or sit on the riverbanks and watch fishermen glide by.

5. Angkor

The sprawling ruins of ever-impressive Angkor are not to be underestimated. From the smiling faces of the Bayon and the twisted trees of Ta Prohm, to the magnetic aura of mighty Angkor Wat, this archaeological site is both intriguing and inspiring.

6. Kampot

Riverside Kampot is a blissful place to unwind. Acting as gateway to nearby mountains, waterfalls, caves, ruins and national parks, this little haven of tranquillity has a great range of quaint guesthouses and cute cafes to keep travellers comfortable.

7. Kratie

Home to rare river-dwelling dolphins, amber sunsets and a gorgeous riverfront, Kratie may be small in size but is still a great spot to stop and get away from it all for a few days.

Shopping

Shopping

Markets are plentiful in Cambodia - from the large markets like the Central and Russian Markets in Phnom Penh, to the smaller, local markets in regional areas. As with most markets in Asia, bargaining for a good price is commonplace.

It's also a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.

Local groups and NGOs have worked to providing training in textile production and help disadvantaged families earn an income. If you are looking to take home a piece of Cambodia, consider purchasing a traditional item from a social enterprise.

Things to buy in Cambodia:

Silver jewellery

Stone and wood carvings

Traditional Cambodian scarves (known as ‘kramas’)

Hand-woven baskets

Silk clothing and sarongs

Festivals and events

Festivals and events

Most of Cambodia’s festivals stem from Theravada Buddhist rituals. Though they are meant to be spiritual in nature, Cambodians always find a way to inject a lot of fun into them. Some of the most important festivals in Cambodia are:

Water Festival

This three-day festival, which marks the end of monsoon season and the start of harvest, is a national holiday. Cities across Cambodia flock to the water each November to celebrate, but the festivities in Phnom Penh are by far the biggest. Featuring colourful boat races, illuminated ornamental boats, fireworks, concerts, and plenty of food and drink.

Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey)

An important celebration in the Khmer calendar, the Cambodian New Year sees three days of people taking part in rituals, playing traditional games, performing gestures of goodwill towards others and enjoying feasts. Most Cambodians return to their homes to spend time with their families during this time.

Pchum Ben (Ancestors Day)

“Ancestors’ Day” involves Cambodians visiting pagodas bearing food, flowers, rice and gifts, which are given to monks to offer to the afterlife. Cambodian beliefs are steeped in superstition. The reason for the offerings is not only to commemorate lost loved ones but so the dead do not return to haunt the living.

Health and safety

Health and safety

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously, and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

Cambodia travel FAQs

E-VISAS
E-visas are now available for most nationalities through the official website: www.evisa.gov.kh
Please note there have been reports of fraudulent e-visa websites that mimic the official site. Intrepid recommends only using the official website listed above or arranging your visa through your booking agent.

VISA ON ARRIVAL
Visa on arrival is available for most nationalities at airports or land border crossings for approx. US$30 (cost subject to change). You will need a passport photo for your visa.

OTHER VISAS
If you are not eligible for an e-visa or visa on arrival you may need to submit an application through your local consulate. Allow up to 3 weeks for processing.

Squat toilets are the most common in Cambodia, but western-style toilets can be found in large hotels and in tourist areas. Be prepared to pay a small fee when visiting public toilets, and always carry your own toilet paper and soap as they are usually not provided.

Drinking tap water isn’t recommended in Cambodia. Remember to avoid drinks with ice and to peel fruit before eating it. Help the environment and try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, fill a reusable water bottle with filtered water. Ask your leader or the hotel where to find filtered water.

Credit cards are usually accepted by modern hotels, large retailers and tourist sites but are less commonly accepted by smaller shops, cafes and market stalls in rural areas. Always carry enough cash for smaller purchases in case credit cards are not an option.

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Cambodia is not always an easy country to travel to for people with mobility or vision disabilities, due to uneven and often broken footpaths, bumpy and potholed roads, crowded public transport and steps galore at temples. In saying this, local people are extremely hospitable and are likely to help out any travellers in need. The country’s biggest drawcard, the temples of Angkor, has had some ramps added in recent years but the paths are generally uneven and stairs challenging even for travellers without disabilities. Siem Reap and Phnom Penh airports have had recent upgrades in terms of wheelchair ramps and some higher end hotels may have accessible rooms. Many guesthouses and hotels have ground floor rooms although may not have other accessible facilities. Taxi and remorks can be easily and affordably hired to get around for city tours.

Everyone should feel comfortable when they travel with Intrepid and we know that many of our travellers are part of the LGBTQI community. It’s important for our travellers to be aware of the local laws and customs in the destinations we visit as some countries have laws that discriminate against LGBTQI people. We recommend you visit Equaldex and/or ILGA before you choose your trip for up-to-date advice and information about LGBTQI-related laws.

On the whole, Cambodia is a hassle-free destination for LGBTQI-travellers. The former King was a keen supporter of equal rights for same-sex partners, and as a result, most of the population is fairly accepting. Both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have small gay scenes, though they are decidedly more low-key compared to some parts of Asia. Be aware that Cambodian people typically do not engage in public displays of affection, regardless of sexual orientation.

If you are travelling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. A single supplement is available on some tours for travellers who do not wish to share a room.

Cambodia has two types of weather: hot, and hot and wet. Loose, breathable clothing will be appropriate year-round, and if you’re travelling from June through to the beginning of November, you’ll want to pack a raincoat.

Responsible Travel

Intrepid is committed to travelling in a way that is respectful of local people, their culture, local economies and the environment. It's important to remember that what may be acceptable behaviour, dress and language in your own country, may not be appropriate in another. Please keep this in mind while travelling.

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